Microsoft has pulled another rabbit out of the hat with its latest feature update to Windows 11, allowing users to customize their lock screen widgets fully. This update is rolling out in preview builds as part of Beta Channel Build 22635.4870, bringing a long-desired level of personalization to your lock screen. So, if you've ever yearned for more control over your lock screen—making it less like a cluttered corkboard and more like a fine-tuned dashboard—your wish is coming true.
Moreover, the potential addition of third-party widgets is a game-changer. This openness invites a broader range of functionalities and use cases, potentially transforming the lock screen into a dynamic information powerhouse.
Keep your eyes peeled for the full release, as this feature is expected to hit broader public access early in 2025. Until then, stay tuned for more Windows updates and set your screens for an experience that feels a little more like home.
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-finally-allows-customizing-windows-11-lock-screen-widgets-here-is-how-to-do-that/
What's New?
Before this update, the lock screen was a one-size-fits-all affair—you could either enable every widget or none at all, which, to be honest, wasn't quite user-friendly. The new feature, however, ushers in a customizable approach. You can now select which widgets appear, offering the flexibility to personalize what is on show when your PC is locked. This shift allows users to display selected information at a glance, curating content to their preferences.How to Enable Widget Customization
Here's a quick run-through on how to activate these nifty customization options:- Download ViVeTool: A tool often used by enthusiasts to unlock hidden features in Windows.
- Run Command Prompt as Administrator: Navigate to the folder containing ViVeTool using the
cdcommand. - Enter Customization Command: Input
vivetool /enable /id:50179255,53672489and hit Enter. - Restart Your Computer: Reboot your system to apply changes.
- Adjust Widgets: Head to
Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Your Widgets, where you can add or remove widgets as desired.
Broader Implications of the Update
Beyond just a cosmetic facelift, customizable lock screen widgets reflect Microsoft's oriented shift towards user-centric design. This enhancement represents a broader trend in tech, emphasizing personalization as a key user experience factor. By letting users tailor their device interactions, Microsoft is not just selling software; they are selling a tailored experience, which could enhance user satisfaction significantly.Moreover, the potential addition of third-party widgets is a game-changer. This openness invites a broader range of functionalities and use cases, potentially transforming the lock screen into a dynamic information powerhouse.
Some Handy Uses
Think about how you start your day. The weather, your calendar events, and maybe your steps tracker right there when you dust off the cobwebs of sleep—pretty nifty, right? The ability to pick and choose not only enhances practicality but gives each user a slice of their world right outside the login screen.Conclusion
In conclusion, the advent of customizable lock screen widgets solidifies Windows 11 as a flexible and forward-thinking OS. It champions the user's right to personalized technology, promising a richer and more tailored digital life. So whether you're raring for next-level personalization or just eager to gild your lock screen with utility, these changes are stirring and a profound step toward redefining the Windows interface experience.Keep your eyes peeled for the full release, as this feature is expected to hit broader public access early in 2025. Until then, stay tuned for more Windows updates and set your screens for an experience that feels a little more like home.
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-finally-allows-customizing-windows-11-lock-screen-widgets-here-is-how-to-do-that/
